Yep, it's a totally different beast...

[ducki]

I've had some really awesome starts and some unbelievably cruddy ones.

The problem with "random" on computers is, there's not really any such thing.

Take Theseus' lead and restart if you are unhappy.
Personally, I've had so many rivers lately, I forgot how painful it is to have to build Aqueducts.

Better luck to ya'.

[Tattila the Hun]

I play with what I get. More crappier the start, more interesting/challenging the game.